SLO Test Study Guide
Unit 1 and 2: Levels of Organization, Cells and Tissue
SAP1. Students will analyze anatomical structures in relationship to their physiological functions.
a. Apply correct terminology when explaining the orientation of body parts and regions.
b. Investigate the interdependence of the various body systems to each other and to the body as a whole.
c. Explain the role of homeostasis and its mechanisms as these relate to the body as a whole and predict the
consequences of the failure to maintain homeostasis.
d. Relate cellular metabolism and transport to homeostasis and cellular reproduction.
e. Describe how structure and function are related in terms of cell and tissue types.
Study Materials
1. A cell has mitochondria, ribosomes, smooth and rough ER, and other parts. Based on this information, it could NOT be:
a) cell from a pine tree.
c) a yeast (fungus) cell.
b) a grasshopper cell.
d) a bacterium.
2. Which are the four most abundant elements in living cells?
a) carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur
c) carbon, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus
b) carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen
d) carbon, sulfur, hydrogen, magnesium
3. What is the basic unit of structure and function of living things?
a. cell
c. molecule
b. organ
d. organelle
4. Which of the following correctly matches an organelle with its function?
a. Mitochondria = Photosynthesis
c. Ribosome = Manufacture of lipids
b. Vacuole = Storage
d. Lysosome = Movement
5. An animal cell is placed in a solution of distilled water. If left overnight, this cell will
a. shrivel and die
c. undergo plasmolysis
b. swell and burst
d. remain the same since it has a nucleus
6. Which statement best describes active transport?
a. Molecules move very quickly across a membrane.
b. Energy is expended to move molecules across a membrane.
c. Fewer molecules move across a membrane than in diffusion.
d. Water molecules stream across a membrane into a concentrated solution.
7. Homeostasis can best be defined as the
a. mature period of an organism’s life cycle when little change occurs
b. maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment
c. maintenance of a constant external environment
d. period of no change in evolutionary history
8. How many chromosomes does a normal, mature, human sperm cell contain?
a. 1
c. 23
b. 2
d. 46
9. Which nitrogenous bases make up DNA nucleotides?
a. cytosine, adenine, guanine, and thymine
b. adenine, uracil, guanine and cytosine
c. uracil, adenine, cytosine, and thymine
d. adenine, thymine, guanine, and uracil
10. Match the terms with the directional descriptions.
1. The Front
2. The Back
3. Above
4. Below
5. The Head
6. The Tail
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Superior
Posterior/Dorsal
Caudal
Anterior
Inferior
Cranial/Cephalic
11. A family was travelling in its van and had a minor accident. The children in the back seat were
wearing seatbelts, but still sustained numerous bruises about the abdomen and had some internal
organ injuries? Why is this area more vulnerable to damages than others?
12. Using the figure to the left; identify the enzyme.
What characteristics of the enzyme allowed you to identify it?
13. Select the correct statement regarding tissue repair.
A. The clot is formed from dried blood and transposed collagen fibers.
B. Granulation tissue is another name for blood clot.
C. Inflammation causes capillaries to dilate to become permeable.
D. Granulation tissue is highly susceptible to infection.
14. Select the correct statement regarding adipose tissue.
A. Mature adipose is highly mitotic.
B. It is composed mostly of extracellular matrix.
C. Its primary function is nutrient storage.
D. Most of the cell volume is occupied by the nucleus
15. A 19-year-old model from Glamour magazine tripped over an extension cord, causing an injury
to her epidermis. She is afraid the injury will leave a scar. Based on your knowledge of
regeneration, what would you say to your patient?
16. A 6-year-old child fell off his bike and scraped his knee. Describe the first stage of wound
healing.
17. Select the incorrect statement relevant to the plasma membrane.
A. It encloses the cell contents.
B. Its acts as cell-to-cell interaction and recognition.
C. It’s selectively permeable.
D. It prevents potassium ions from crossing into the cell
18. Passive membrane transport processes include
A. Consumption of ATP
B. The use of transport proteins when moving substances from low to high concentration.
C. Movement of a substance down its concentration gradient.
D. Movement of water from an area of low concentration to high concentration.
19. The tissue type that arises from all three embryonic germ layers.
A. Nervous
C. Connective
B. Muscle
D. Epithelial
20. What are the three main components of connective tissue?
A. collagen, elastin and reticular fibers
B. Alveoli, fibrous capsule, secretory cells
C. Ground substance, fibers, and cells
D. Fibroblasts, chondroblasts, and osteoblasts
Explain why an infection may occur in a tissue injury.
How is blood unique among connective tissues?
List and describe the functions of the four major tissues?
What is a simple method of telling the difference between stratified squamous epithelium and
transitional epithelium?
25. Without macrophages wound healing is delayed. Why?
21.
22.
23.
24.
26. The diagram below shows the same type of molecule in area A and area B. With the passage of
time, some molecules move from area A to area B. This movement is the result of the process of
a. phagocytosis
c. diffusion
b. pinocytosis
d. active transport
26. Which of the following matches the macromolecule with its correct building block?
a. protein-nucleotide
c. nucleic acid-monosaccharide
b. lipid-fatty acid
d. carbohydrate-amino acid
27. Which of the following statements are most correct about homeostatic imbalance?
a. It is considered the cause of most diseases.
b. The internal environment is becoming more stable.
c. Positive feedback mechanisms are overwhelmed.
d. Negative feedback mechanisms are functioning normally.
28. Subdivisions of anatomy include:
a. gross, macroscopic, visual, microscopic
b. gross, regional, dissection and surface
c. Regional, surface, visual, microscopic
d. Gross, regional, systemic, and surface
29. Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium:
A. Lines the respiratory tract
C. Possesses no goblet cells.
B. Is not an epithelial classification.
D. Aids in digestion.
Unit 3: Integumentary System, Skeletal System and Muscular System
SAP2. Students will analyze the interdependence of the integumentary, skeletal, and muscular systems as these
relate to the protection, support and movement of the human body.
a. Relate the structure of the integumentary system to its functional role in protecting the body and maintaining
homeostasis.
b. Explain how the skeletal structures provide support and protection for tissues, and function together with the
muscular system to make movements possible.
Study Materials
1. What is the outermost layer of your skin called?
2. How many skin cells do you have?
3. What do sebaceous glands do?
4. What sturdy fibers are found in the dermis?
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
What substance makes up most of the hypodermis?
What function does sweat serve?
What pigment gives skin its coloring?
What might happen if you produce too much sebum?
The little sacs that produce hair are called
Identify the layer of the skin that is described below:
a. deepest layer of skin
b. composed mainly of dead cells
c. contains sweat glands and sebaceous glands
d. contains fat cells
11. Identify the layer of the skin that is described below:
a. cells of this layer make keratin and melanin
b. contains nerve endings and blood vessels
c. mitosis occurs in this layer
d. thin outer layer of the skin
12. contains smooth muscles attached to hair
13. Add the following labels to the diagram of the skin shown below.
• Epidermis, dermis, fat cells, hair shaft, hair follicle, hair erector muscle, sweat gland, pore of sweat gland,
sebaceous gland, blood capillaries
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
Is the skin considered an organ? Why or why not?
Describe three main functions of the Muscular System.
What is the type of muscle found in the heart?
Compare and contrast: skeletal muscle, smooth muscle and cardiac muscle
What primarily determines the power of muscle?
a. Length
d. The total number of muscle cells
b. Shape
available for contraction
c. The neurons innerving it
What is the sliding filament theory?
The most distinguishing characteristic of muscle tissue is
a. The design of the fibers.
d. The ability to transform chemical energy
b. The sacroplasmic reticulum.
to mechanical energy.
c. The diversity of activity of muscle
tissue.
What happens to the muscles when a weight lifter becomes sedentary?
Brittany was rushing to class and slipped on a piece of ice and fell backward. An X-ray revealed a broken coccyx.
All the associated muscles were bruised. Name these muscles.
List and describe three functions of the skeletal system.
Explain the differences between compact bone and spongy bone, and state where each type is found.
What would happen if you didn't have bones?
Are bones alive? Explain.
When the biceps contracts, what happens to its length, and what kind of force does it exert?
Vitamin A, C, and D are important to the functioning of the human body. What significant role does each play in
the Skeletal System?
Name the tissue of which the embryonic skull is first made. Explain how ossification of cranial bones occurs.
On average, how much calcium should someone get daily?
a. a. 1,200 mg
c. c. 0 mg, calcium is not necessary
b. b. 100 mg
31. Which of the following requires calcium
a. blood clotting
c. muscle contraction/relaxation
b. nerve signals
d. release hormones
32. What is the tough, smooth, shiny substance called that is at the end of each bone?
33. What keeps our bones from scratching and bumping against each other when we move?
34. What are the long stretchy bands that hold our bones together?
35. What is found in Haversian canals?
36. What is the inflammation of bony tissue called?
37. What is an immovable joint found between skull bones?
a. Suture
c. Synovial joint
b. Condyle
d. Cartiliginous joint
38. What is osteoporosis and when does prevention of osteoporosis start?
Unit 4: Nervous System, Endocrine System and Special Senses
SAP3.
Students will assess the integration and coordination of body functions and their dependence on the
endocrine and nervous systems to regulate physiological activities.
a. Interpret interactions among hormones, senses, and nerves which make possible the coordination of
functions of the body.
b. Investigate the physiology of electrochemical impulses and neural integration and trace the
pathway of an impulse, relating biochemical changes involved in the conduction of the impulse.
c. Describe how the body perceives internal and external stimuli and responds to maintain a
stable internal environment, as it relates to biofeedback.
Study Materials
1. With respect to their chemical structure, in what three groups are hormones classified? Describe each group.
2. The Endocrine System is a regulating system in the human body that secretes hormones to maintain homeostasis.
List and describe three glands of the Endocrine System.
3. Explain how negative feedback mechanism works.
4. Name the two hormones stored in the posterior pituitary gland. Where are these hormones produced? State the
functions of each of these hormones.
5. When are epinephrine and norepinephrine secreted? Describe the effects of these hormones.
6. Name the two hormones of the anterior pituitary gland that affect the ovaries or testes, and state their functions.
7. State three functions of prostaglandins.
8. State the functions of thyroxine and T3. For what aspects of growth are these hormones necessary
9. State the direct stimulus for secretion of each of these hormones:
a. Thyroxine
e. Aldosterone
i. Progesterone
b. Insulin
f. Calcitonin
j. ADH
c. Cortisol
g. GH
d. PTH
h. Glucagon
10. During a soccer game, 12-year-old Alicia got in tangle with another player, fell hard on her hand, and fractured
her radius. She is going to be fine, though she will be wearing a cast for a few weeks.
• What hormones were secreted immediately after the injury?
• What functions do they have?
• What hormones will contribute to the healing of the fracture, and how?
11. Darren is 15 years old, tall for his age, but he wants to build more muscle. He decides that he will eat only protein
foods, because, he says, “Muscle is protein, so protein will make protein, and the more protein, the more muscle.”
In part he is correct, and in part incorrect. Explain, and name the hormones involved in protein metabolism; state
how each affects protein metabolism.
12. Many people love pasta, others love potatoes, and still others love rice. Name the hormones involved in
carbohydrate metabolism, and, for each, explain its specific function.
13. Unfortunately, many fast-food meals are well over 50% fat. Name the hormones involved in fat metabolism, and,
for each, explain its specific function.
14. You have read about the liver several times in this chapter, and often seen its picture as a target organ. Many
functions of the liver are stimulated by hormones. Name as many hormones as you can think of with effects on
the liver, and state the function of each.
15. What is the Nervous System and what is its primary function?
16. Name the divisions of the nervous system and state the parts of each.
17. A neuron is a mass of nerve cells that communicate information. Draw, label and describe the parts of a neuron.
18. Where does the spinal cord end? Why is this important clinically?
19. What is Shingles and how can this disease effect the Nervous System?
20. Explain the difference between:
• Sensory neurons and motor neurons
• Interneurons and nerve tracts
21. Describe an electrical nerve impulse in terms of charges on either side of the neuron membrane.
22. Describe how a nerve impulse crosses a synapse.
23. With respect to the spinal cord:
• a. Describe its location
• b. State what gray matter and white matter are made of
• c. State the function of the dorsal root, ventral root, and dorsal root ganglion
24. Define reflex, and name the five parts of a reflex arc.
25. Name the part of the brain concerned with each of
• the following:
•
•
•
•
•
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
a. Regulates body temperature
• g. Regulates secretions of the anterior pituitary
b. Regulates heart rate
gland
c. Suppresses unimportant sensations
• h. Regulates coughing and sneezing
d. Regulates respiration (two parts)
• i. Regulates muscle tone
e. Regulates food intake
• j. Regulates visual and auditory reflexes
f. Regulates coordination of voluntary
• k. Regulates blood pressure
movement
Name the part of the cerebrum concerned with each of the following:
• Feels the cutaneous sensations
• Contains the olfactory areas
• Contains the auditory areas
• Initiates voluntary movement
• Contains the visual areas
•
Contains the speech areas (for most
• Connects the cerebral hemispheres
people)
• Regulates accessory movements
State all the locations of cerebrospinal fluid. What is CSF made from? Into what is CSF reabsorbed? State the
functions of CSF.
Explain how the sympathetic division of the ANS helps the body adapt to a stress situation; give three specific
examples.
Explain how the parasympathetic division of the ANS promotes normal body functioning; give three specific
examples.
Some pesticides kill insects by interfering with cholinesterase. We have cholinesterase too, and may be adversely
affected. What would be the symptoms of such pesticide poisoning?
List and describe the four sensory pathways
Describe three sensory characteristics and give one example for each
State the two general functions of receptors. Explain the purpose of sensory neurons and sensory tracts.
Name the receptors for the cutaneous senses, and explain the importance of this information.
Name the receptors for muscle sense and the parts of the brain concerned with muscle sense.
State what the chemoreceptors for taste and smell detect. Name the cranial nerve(s) for each of these senses and
the lobe of the cerebrum where each is felt.
Name the part of the eye with each of the following functions:
• Change the shape of the lens
• Changes the size of the pupil
• Contains the rods and cones
• Produce tears
• Forms the white of the eye
• Absorbs light within the eyeball to
• Form the optic nerve
prevent glare
• Keep dust out of eye
With respect to vision:
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
• Name the structures and substances that refract light rays (in order)
• State what cones detect and what rods detect.
• What happens within these receptors when light strikes them?
• Name the cranial nerve for vision and the lobe of the cerebrum that contains the visual area
With respect to the ear:
• Name the parts of the ear that transmit the vibrations of sound waves (in order)
• State the location of the receptors for hearing
• State the location of the receptors that respond to gravity
• State the location of the receptors that respond to motion
• State the two functions of the 8th cranial nerve
• Name the lobe of the cerebrum concerned with hearing
• Name the two parts of the brain concerned with maintaining balance and equilibrium
Name the following:
• The locations of arterial chemoreceptors, and state what they detect
• The locations of arterial pressoreceptors, and
• state what they detect
Name the cranial nerves involved in respiratory and cardiac reflexes, and state the part of the brain that regulates
these vital functions.
Why are the inner ear labyrinths filled with fluid rather than air? One reason is directly concerned with hearing,
the other with survival.
Albinism is a genetic characteristic in which melanin is not produced; it may occur in just about any type of
animal. As you probably know, an albino person will have white skin and hair. Describe the consequences for the
person’s eyes.
Unit 5: Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Digestive & Excretory Systems
SAP 4. Students will analyze the physical, chemical, and biological properties of process systems as these relate to
transportation, absorption and excretion, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory and
immune systems.
a. Describe the chemical and physical mechanisms of digestion, elimination, transportation, and absorption
within the body to change food and derive energy.
b. Analyze, and explain the relationships between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems as they obtain oxygen
needed for the oxidation of nutrients and removal of carbon dioxide.
c. Relate the role of the urinary system to regulation of body wastes (i.e. water-electrolyte balance, volume
of body fluids).
d. Examine various conditions that change normal body functions (e.g. tissue rejection, allergies, injury, diseases and
disorders) and how the body responds.
e. Describe the effects of aging on body systems.
Study Materials
1. The heart is the major organ of the Cardiovascular system; what are some major jobs the heart performs?
2. What role do capillaries play in the circulatory system?
3. Describe the structure of the three layers of the walls of arteries, and state the function of each layer.
4. Describe the structural differences in the three layers of the walls of the arteries and the layers in veins, and
explain the reason for each difference.
5. Compare and contrast the structure and function of the three types of blood vessels.
6. Describe the structure of capillaries. What is the process by which each of the following is exchanged between
capillaries and tissue fluid: nutrients, oxygen, waste products, and carbon dioxide?
7. Name the part of the body supplied by each of the following arteries:
a. Bronchial
d. Brachial
g. Subclavian
b. Femoral
e. Inferior mesenteric
h. Intercostal
c. Hepatic
f. Internal carotid
8. Begin at the right ventricle and describe the pathway of pulmonary circulation.
9. Name two hormones involved in the maintenance of blood pressure, and state the function of each.
10. Describe two different ways the kidneys respond to decreased blood flow and blood pressure.
11. Renee, a nurse, is first on the scene of a car accident.
12. The driver has been thrown from the car, and even from 15 feet away, Renee knows that a large artery in the
man’s leg has been severed. How does she know this? What two things does she see? Renee stops the bleeding,
but the ambulance has not arrived. She wants to assess the man’s condition after he has lost so much blood. She
cannot take a blood pressure, but what other vital sign can be helpful? Explain. If Renee could take a blood
pressure reading, what might it be? Might it be within the normal range? Explain.
13. A stroke may also be referred to as a brain attack. In what ways is a stroke similar to a heart attack?
14. Why would a low level of hemoglobin cause a person to tire easily?
15. Some people with hypertension take prescribed diuretics. Some call these “water pills.” Is this an accurate name?
How can a diuretic help lower blood pressure? What disadvantage does the use of diuretics have?
16. The function of the digestive system is to
a. cool the body, specifically the blood when it has become overheated through physical exertion.
b. provide protection to the body's muscles and internal organs.
c. allow the intake of food to nourish and give energy to the body.
d. create and regulate substances such as fluids and hormones for the purpose of reproduction.
17. Place the terms in order of the process of digestion: Esophogus, stomach, anus, large intestine, mouth, small
intestine, pharynx,
18. Salivary glands produce saliva for the purpose of digesting food. Why are salivary glands considered exocrine
glands?
19. List and describe two disorders of the stomach.
20. List and describe disorders of the intestines
21. What is mechanical digestion? Give two examples.
22. What is chemical digestion? Give two examples?
23. Name the end products of digestion, and explain how each is absorbed in the small intestine.
24. Explain the function of the following: Teeth, tongue, salivary amylase, enamel of teeth, Lysozyme, water of
saliva.
25. Explain how the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas contribute to digestion.
26. Describe the functions of the colon and of the normal flora of the colon.
27. Diarrhea can be unpleasant, but does have a purpose. Explain the advantages and disadvantages.
28. What functions do kidneys perform?
29. Name the two major parts of a nephron. State the general function of nephrons.
30. In what circumstances do the kidneys secrete renin, and what is its purpose?
31. Describe the characteristics of normal urine in terms of appearance, amount, pH, specific gravity, and
composition.
32. Describe the function of the ureters and that of the urethra.
33. An 18-year-old client is complaining of painful urination, fever, chills, and back pain. This is her second urinary
tract infection (UTI) within 5 months. How can the doctor instruct her on prevention of another UTI?
34. What respiratory organs are important in delivering oxygen?
35. Name the respiratory muscles, and describe how they are involved in normal inhalation and exhalation.
36. Write the word or phrase that best completes each statement or answer each question.
a. This law would apply to the amount of CO2 that dissolves in Pepsi.
b. Carina of trachea
c. The most common lethal genetic disease in the United States.
37. List and describe two diseases/disorders that may affect the lungs.
38. You are making a list of vital organs, organs we cannot live without. Should you include the larynx on your list?
Explain why or why not.
39. Name the respiratory centers in the medulla and pons, and explain how each is involved in a breathing cycle.
40. Name the cell, protein, and mineral that transport oxygen in the blood.